The Different Types of Lyres Latest [2022]
The lyre – or “lyra,” as it was once known, or Kithara, as it was formerly known – is one of the oldest stringed musical instruments still in existence. Its origins may be traced back more than 5000 years to the Babylonian period. The “modern lyre,” on the other hand, is a relatively new instrument, having been invented only 92 years ago.
“Modern lyre” was a wonderful match for the new, more open-minded spiritual dimension that was developing at the time when Edmund Pracht and W. Lothar Gärtner teamed in 1926.
Handcrafted since 1980, “contemporary” lyres of various sizes and ranges distinguish themselves from the types that date back to ancient antiquity in their design and construction. In addition to solo bass lyre and tenor lyre, there are several other varieties of alto lyres available. These include concert lyre, solo alto lyre, soprano lyre big, solo soprano lyre, soprano lyre tiny, and descant lyre.
In addition to current music, lyres are employed in music teaching and therapy, as well as composition and other forms of expression. So, let’s have a look at the different types of lyres.
1. Solo bass lyre
The solo bass lyre is a musical instrument that stands on its own (like the harp). Its enormous range, which encompasses extremely low tones as well, necessitates a great level of competence on the part of the player. The bass lyre generates a tone that is both very resonant and extremely carrying.
Designed for both symphonic and solo performances, this instrument has a sycamore body with a spruce top and is constructed of spruce. Its surface is usually coated with a high-grade open-pore violin lacquer of exceptional quality.
2. Tenor alto lyre
The tenor alto lyre is made with the same artistry as the soprano alto lyre, but it includes four more strings in the lower range, all the way down to C. (cello C). Because of its broad range, it is possible to play both the alto and tenor ranges on a single instrument.
It delivers a resonant, full-bodied, and carrying tone, making it an excellent choice for demanding musicians and solo performers. The surface is usually coated with an open-pore violin lacquer of exceptional quality, and this type of lyre may also be made with a highly polished shellac hand finishing for an additional fee.
Lyre bodies may be produced from the following woods: maple, ash, cherry, elm, or pear. They are available in either 1st class wood or plain textured wooden bodies.
3. Concert Lyre
It is expanded by two tones in the higher register, and by one tone in the lower register, from A to H. The body is the same size as the alto lyre for solo performance. The longer range, massive body, and increased string spacing of this style of lyre distinguish it from other types.
This lyre is distinguished by a concertante tone that is rich and sustained. It is especially well suited for the distinguished and single player. An open-pored violin varnish of exceptional quality covers the upper surface of the instrument. As for the body wood, maple, cherry, and elm are all options. The concert lyre has been manufactured in full scale since 1992.
4. Soprano Lyre
The soprano lyre creates clean, dazzling, and highly defined tone colors, and as a result, it satisfies the demands of even the most demanding players. Its surface is usually coated with a high-grade open-pore violin lacquer of exceptional quality.
Maple, ash, cherry, elm, and pear are among the woods that may be used to construct the lyre body. This lyre may also be made with a highly polished shellac hand finishing, which would make it a bit more pricey. In addition to first-class wood, the soprano lyre is offered in a plain textured wood finish.
5. Choroi Kinderharp Lyre
A broad variety of lyres and related instruments are available today, ranging in size from a child’s “kinder hard” and cantle to the classical soprano and alto lyres for solo and ensemble performance. The Choroi (stand-up) harp is the largest of them all.
All sorts of lyres are characterized by the liberation of the tone from the resonance of the real instrument. Musicians utilize lyres to investigate future components of melody, harmony, and rhythm as a result of their newly gained awareness. The soft stroke of the string generates a relatively low-pitched tone that rapidly increases in tonal strength as the player moves around the room or hall where the piece is being performed.
Choroi has taken use of this acoustic quality in the development of new instruments in the woodwind and percussion genres, among others. It is possible to get an entirely different group sound when the new instruments are played together.
6. Modern Wire Lyres
The majority of lyres nowadays are built with nylon strings rather than wire strings, yet wire strings are becoming increasingly popular. Due to the fact that a large number of lyre businesses now manufacture wire-strung lyres, it is simple to find teachers and even books that will teach you how to play on these instruments. In the Gaelic tradition, lyres with wire strings are known as Gaelic lyres, and their construction is extremely durable.
Naturally, the method for playing this kind of lyre is somewhat different than for playing lyres with nylon strings, but if you use your fingernails or even the pads of your fingers, the wire strings are much easier to manage.
For a real “bell” sound when playing the lyre, consider using wire strings instead of nylon or polyester. Wire-strung lyres provide remarkable results when playing Irish and Celtic music, and you can see and hear them performing at a variety of festivals and contests across the world.
Bent Stem Cornet Lyre
The Sonata 1691LS is a twisted nickel for use with a trumpet or cornet. It is appropriate for any instrument with a lyre box fitted on the highest point of the instrument. Music books and cards will fit safely in the spring-stacked catch, keeping it consistent and coherent. This is a fundamental frill for metal players progressing, or even just stopped on march! (additionally accessible in gold enamel)
Saxophone Lyre
In the event that your Saxophone has a fitted lyre-box (trust me, most do, you simply haven’t seen it!), this strong and dependable nickel-plated saxophone lyre is only for you. It basically connects into the case on your saxophone to permit walking saxophonists the opportunity to really peruse their music rather than the ordinary ‘act of spontaneity’!! It includes a solid spring system which securely holds your music set up while being used.
Clamp on Flute Lyre
This style is extraordinary for a woodwind, it is a strong and dependable nickel-plated which essentially clasps on to your woodwind. Ideal for walking performers and Christmas hymn players (!) as you just connect one finish of the lyre to your woodwind and the opposite finish to your music. The lyre highlights vinyl covered clasps to shield your woodwind without any preparation harm while cinching on. It is completely flexible and is nickel plated so is strong and impervious to scrapes and dampness.
